Peach tree &#34;Sweet Gem&#34;

ABSTRACT

Our new development is a distinct variety of peach tree which has the following unique combination of features that are outstanding in a new variety: 
     1. Fruit with firm flesh having very good handling, shipping and storage quality. 
     2. Large size of fruit throughout the tree. 
     3. Fruit staying firm on tree 10 to 14 days after maturity. 
     4. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 
     5. Fruit with a high degree of attractive red skin color. 
     6. Producing mild, sub-acid fruit with good flavor and eating quality. 
     7. Vigorous, upright growth habit.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present variety of peach tree was developed by us in ourexperimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., as a secondgeneration seedling of a cross between two selected seedlings. Thepollen parent originated from open pollinated seed of Sam Houston Peach(non-patented) and the female parent originated from a cross between MayGrand Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,794) and a peach of unknownparentage. A large number of second generation seedlings were grown andmaintained under close observation, during which time we recognized theoutstanding characteristics described above and selected the variety forreproduction and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety was performed by usin the experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows thatall characteristics run true to the original tree and are establishedand transmitted through succeeding propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE VARIETY

The present new variety is a new and distinct variety of peach treewhich is of large size, vigorous upright in growth and a regular andproductive bearer of large, very firm, yellow flesh, clingstone fruitwith good flavor and eating quality. The fruit remain firm on the tree10 to 14 days after maturity, and have good shipping and storage qualitywith a high degree of attractive red skin color.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS

The accompanying photographs show reproduction in color of typicalspecimens of the fruit and foliage of our new peach variety. The upperand lower surface of the leaves are shown, as are fruit specimensshowing the exterior and a sectional view of a fruit divided in thesuture plane to reveal flesh coloration and to show a stone remaining inplace. The photographs were taken shortly after being picked at maturity(firm ripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possiblein a color representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a botanical detailed description of the new variety ofpeach tree, its fruit, flowers and foliage as based on observations ofthe specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color terminology (exceptthose in common terms) in accordance with Reinhold Color Atlas by A.Kornerup and J. H. Wanscher.

Tree:

Size.--Large.

Vigorous.--Vigorous.

Form.--Upright.

Density.--Medium.

Shape.--Usually pruned to vase shape.

Production.--Productive.

Bearing.--Regular bearer.

Trunk:

Size.--Medium to large.

Texture.--Medium shaggy.

Color.--Grayish brown.

Branches:

Size.--Medium.

Surface.--Medium rough.

Lenticels.--Numerous. Medium to large size.

Color.--Brown to grayish brown.

Leaves:

Size.--Large. Average length -- 6". Average width -- 11/2".

Form.--Lanceolate. Pointed.

Texture.--Smooth.

Margin.--Crenate.

Petiole.--Medium length. Medium thickness.

Glands.--Reniform. Number varies from 1 to 3. Average number 2. Mediumsize.

Color.--Upper surface -- green to dark green (27-F-6) to (27-F-8). Lowersurface -- dull green to grayish green (28-D-6) to (28-E-6).

Flower buds:

Size.--Large.

Shape.--Plump.

Pubescence.--Pubescent.

Flowers:

Size.--Large -- showy.

Blooming period.--Mar. 6, 1989 to Mar. 13, 1989. Varies slightly withclimatic conditions.

Pollen.--Present.

Color.--Pink.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.--Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.--Jun. 10, 1989.

Date of last picking.--Jun. 16, 1989.

Size.--Large. Average diameter axially -- 27/8" to 3". Averagetransversely in suture plane -- 23/4" to 27/8".

Form.--Nearly globose. Slightly flattened at stem end. Slight apicalpoint.

Suture.--Shallow -- extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.--Rounded, nearly smooth.

Base.--Retuse.

Cavity.--Rounded -- some fruit slightly elongated in suture plane.

Apex.--Usually slight pistil point. Varies from slight pistil point torounded.

Skin:

Thickness.--Medium.

Texture.--Medium.

Tendency to crack.--None.

Down.--Moderate -- short.

Color.--Bright yellow ground color -- (4-A-7) to (4-A-8). Overspreadwith red -- (9-B-8) to (9-C-8).

Flesh:

Ripens.--Evenly.

Texture.--Firm.

Fibers.--Few and tender.

Juice.--Moderate.

Flavor.--Good, sub-acid sweet -- very mild.

Eating quality.--Good.

Amygdalin.--Undetected.

Color.--Varies from light yellow (4-A-5) to rich golden yellow (4-A-7).

Stone:

Type.--Clingstone.

Size.--Medium. Average length -- 11/2". Average breadth -- 1". Averagethickness -- 5/8".

Form.--Ovid.

Base.--Varies from straight to rounded.

Sides.--Equal to unequal.

Apex.--Acuminate.

Surface.--Irregularly furrowed toward apex pitted throughout, heaviertoward base.

Tendency to split.--None.

Color.--Light brown to brown (6-B-6) to (6-C-6).

Use: Dessert.

Market.--Local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good.

Shipping quality: Good.

The new and distinct variety of peach tree, its flowers and fruit mayvary in slight detail due to climatic, soil conditions and culturalpractices under which the variety may be grown; the present descriptionis that of the variety grown near Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree, substantially asillustrated and described, characterized by its large size, vigorousupright growth and being a productive and regular bearer of very firm,sub-acid, yellow flesh, clingstone fruit with good flavor and eatingquality; the fruit is further characterized by having an attractive redskin color, staying firm on the tree 10 to 14 days after maturity andhaving good shipping and storage quality.